Tilea's Worries

The banquet began. I sat at the table, trying to keep my nerves in check. After a while, Timu approached.

"Oh, Camilla-sama!"

I called out to her, and Timu gave me a slight nod. Then, placing her hand on my shoulder, she introduced me.

"Sister, this is Miless. My latest toy. She's been quite entertaining as one of my dolls, keeping boredom at bay."

Ouch. Still as harsh as ever. Despite my family's noble status, even though we're now fallen, I had never been treated this way before. Timu, who comes from a common background, acts like royalty, while I, a noble, am treated like a commoner. Well, that’s just how Timu is—her charisma is undeniable. Somehow, I just accept it.

"Timu, you shouldn't talk like that!"

"Oh, right. She's not my doll, she's yours, Sister."

"Tiiimmu!"

Tilea-san seemed genuinely angry, and she suddenly pinched Timu's cheek, pulling it hard. 

Whoa! Timu's soft, plump cheek stretched out like mochi. It looked so squishy that, for a moment, I even wanted to try it myself... No, wait! What am I thinking? 

But... this is unbelievable. Even though it's her sister, Timu, who normally wouldn't hesitate to take revenge threefold on anyone who defies her, is just letting it happen! The same Timu who wouldn't hesitate to unleash her terrifying wrath on anyone who dared cross her!

I was completely taken aback by the scene in front of me.

"Now, Miless-chan, apologize."

"I-I'm sorry, Miless."

Timu actually apologized!? The same Timu, who never apologized even when she was clearly in the wrong, just did! I was even more stunned.

Seeing Timu awkwardly apologize while having her cheek pulled was... cute. And watching her get scolded by her older sister like a little kid was a heartwarming sight. I couldn't help but smile.

Yes, I'm glad I came. This is such a charming contrast.

I took the opportunity to ask some questions. It turns out there was a bit of a quarrel between Timu and Tilea-san yesterday. Apparently, Timu had hesitated to serve the meal, arguing that such menial tasks should be left to her "slave"—me.

Yup, that sounds just like Timu. I had already anticipated that she might say something like that. Even though I was invited as a guest, if Timu insisted, I was ready to help out with serving.

But, after being scolded by Tilea-san, Timu reluctantly backed down. 

Now, the current situation...

Timu was placing the knife and fork on the table for me. Timu was pouring tea from the pot into my cup. Timu was bringing dishes to the table for me.

The same Timu, who usually refuses to do even the simplest of tasks like opening a door, letting Anasie-senpai do everything, was now diligently serving without a single complaint.

It's hard to believe what I'm seeing. If Anasie-senpai and the others saw this, they would be shocked. Timu is truly obedient to her older sister.

Tilea-san, meanwhile, watched over Timu with a gentle, affectionate expression.

"Miless-chan, thank you for looking after Timu."

"I-it's nothing, really. Camilla-sama has been looking after me, too."

"Hehe, Camilla-sama, huh..."

Huh? Tilea-san made a strange face. Was it because I called her "Camilla-sama"?

Is that okay? I thought it was what I was supposed to do. Timu is very strict about how she should be addressed, so I figured it was the same for her sister, Tilea-san.

...Or maybe not?

Tilea-san seems like a kind older sister. Maybe she'd prefer it if I called her Timu? Maybe she'd actually be happier that way.

"U-um, Timu—"

"Hii!" 

Timu shot me a fierce glare.

Yeah, that's definitely a no-go. She gave me that look that she gives when she's in full-on queen mode. Even when she's dressed like a maid and acting all dutiful, Timu's still the same haughty queen at heart. 

Still, she's much calmer at home. Normally, she would have yelled at me by now, but it seems like her sister, Tilea-san, has a big influence on her.

Tilea-san is cheerful and kind, but she doesn't seem to have the kind of authority that would command Timu's obedience. Why is Timu so obedient to her sister? You'd expect her to say something like, "Weakling sister!" or something.

"U-um, is Camilla-sama always like this at home?"

I asked Tilea-san when Timu returned to the kitchen.

"Hmm, her mood might be higher than usual today. I think she's excited because it's the first time she's invited a friend over."

"Really?"

"Yeah, that's what I think. Timu didn't have friends her age before, so I think she's secretly over the moon to have someone like you, Miless-chan."

That would be really nice if it were true. But it doesn't really seem like Timu’s character. I think she’s just happy to be having a meal with her sister.

"Camilla-sama is—"

"You know, Miless-chan, I wasn't sure if I should say something, but here goes—'Camilla-sama' doesn’t really suit a classmate, does it? You should just call her Timu."

"But, Camilla-sama insists on it."

"I see... Yeah, that sounds like Timu. Of course, she would say that."

Tilea-san seemed to understand completely. It didn't seem like she was the one who made Timu force people to call her that.

Then why does Timu insist on everyone calling her Camilla-sama? It's just a name that would create friction with others.

"Just out of curiosity, why does Camilla-sama make everyone call her that?"

"Oh, you wonder about that, huh? Well, you see, it's kind of a phase. Have you ever wanted to be a dark hero when you were little, like a master thief or a bandit king or something?"

"Not a hero?"

"Yeah, not a hero. Kids sometimes idolize those tough, bad-guy types. Timu's going through that phase right now, so she's calling herself Camilla and trying to be all edgy."

That makes sense. I remember some of the neighborhood kids playing as famous bandits or thieves when I was younger. 

So, Timu’s going through that same phase?

Hmm, I'm not entirely convinced. It's hard to believe. But if Tilea-san, her sister, says so, then maybe it’s true.

"Oh, by the way, there's a small but devoted following of the demon Camilla, isn’t there?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the demon Camilla. She's known as the foremost authority on magic, so those who want to master the depths of magic have kind of elevated her to a divine status."

"Really? There are people like that?"

"Yes, and among these fanatics, some even claim to be her descendants and call themselves King Camilla. They strive to create a nation as strong as the demon Camilla's, even making their national flag a symbol of her."

"Wow, that's something. Is Camilla really that amazing?"

"Yes, according to legend, Camilla had an enormous amount of magic power—enough to make today's strongest look weak by comparison. She also had exceptional magic skills and a body that was equally formidable. Even if someone managed to dodge her magic attacks and get close, they would be struck down by her formidable defenses and physical strength."

"That’s practically unbeatable. What do you think would have happened if that Camilla had been around during the recent attack on the royal capital?"

"If the legends about her strength are true, it would have been catastrophic. Not just for the royal capital, but for the entire world. They say that the demon Camilla's magic shots were as powerful as falling stars."

"Falling stars? You mean like meteors?"

"Yes, they say she could rain down magical shots with the power to destroy an entire town with a single blast."

"Even if only half of that is true, it's incredible. No wonder she has such fanatical followers."

"Yes."

"Hmm, so maybe Timu might become one of those followers one day?"

"Well, I don’t know about that. Camilla-sama isn’t just a follower of the demon Camilla; she *is* the demon Camilla herself."

Huh? As I said it out loud, something clicked in my mind. I suddenly realized something that I had previously laughed off as impossible.

"Um, Ti-Tilea-san, you’re not by any chance... dem—"

Wait! What was I about to say? That's absurd. Timu’s magic power is completely average. No matter how skilled she is in combat, she could never be *that*. 

Yes, yes, what a ridiculous thought...

...But could someone with average magic power really have defeated Elizabeth? And if she were truly a master of magic, couldn’t she easily conceal her power, fooling the eyes of others with some kind of illusion?

"What's wrong, Miless-chan?"

"Eeek!"

I screamed involuntarily as the thought struck me.

"What’s wrong, really?"

"I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t see anything. I won’t defy the demons!"

"Wait, wait, Miless-chan, what do you mean by demons?"

"Huh!? I mean... well..."

"Did you think, from our conversation, that Timu was a demon? Come on, that’s a bit much, isn’t it?"

Tilea-san looked exasperated. There wasn’t any sense of threat like she was about to silence me for knowing too much.

Was I overthinking this?

"...Are you really not demons?"

"Oh, come on now. You think Timu’s not human, but the demon Camilla? So what does that make me? The Demon Lord?"

"N-no, of course not."

Tilea-san as a demon? That’s impossible. If someone as cheerful and kind as her were a demon, then everyone in the royal capital would have to be an evil spirit or something.

I needed to calm down.

...Yes, that’s right. Even if Timu were a demon, what reason would she have for attending the academy? Why would the demon Camilla need to take classes? To spy on humans?

No, no, if that were the case, there are far more important places to infiltrate. Why bother with a school? Besides, with the demon Camilla's power, she could easily destroy the world without needing to spy.

And yesterday, the demon Camilla was taking a sports test.

That’s just ridiculous.

What reason would a legendary demon have for eating lunch in the schoolyard?

Yes, it’s all so absurd.

It makes much more sense that she’s from some noble family that’s fallen from grace, perhaps even a member of royalty or a warrior clan in hiding.

In fact, that seems more likely.

"Tilea-san, I’m sorry. I think I was just tired."

"Really? Don’t push yourself too hard with your studies, okay?"

"Yes."

"Let’s get back to the conversation. I’ve thought about it, and I still think Timu’s behavior is just a phase. I’m sorry to ask, but could you put up with it for a little while longer?"

"O-okay."

"I could force her to stop, but if I push her too hard, she might rebel. And she gets really angry if you call her Timu, right?"

"Yes, she does. She gets really furious."

It’s terrifying, like she might actually kill you. After experiencing Timu's wrath, most things don’t seem scary anymore.

"Miless-chan, you’re very mature. Timu can be a handful, but please don’t give up on her."

"Oh, no... I don’t think she’s a bother at all. And I’d never abandon her. In fact, I’m doing my best to make sure I’m not the one who gets left behind. I’m trying hard to become friends with Camilla-sama."

"That’s good. But you know, Timu already considers you her friend."

"Really!? She does?"

"Yes, Timu is very picky. She won’t keep someone she doesn’t like around. The fact that you’re always with her means she sees you as a friend."

Is that really true? It feels like Timu only keeps me around because she sees me as her toy...

"It’s hard to believe."

"I don’t understand why someone as talented and beautiful as you would doubt yourself. But as Timu’s sister, I know her best."

Tilea-san said this with absolute certainty.

Maybe she’s mistaken, but it made me really happy to hear it.

"So, it’s okay for me to think of myself as Camilla-sama’s friend?"

"Of course. And don’t say something as sad as 'not friends.' You’re Timu’s best friend, and any friend of my precious sister is a friend of mine too, Miless-chan."

Oh no, I’m starting to tear up a little.

Tilea-san is so warm and kind. With such an inviting presence, it’s no wonder Timu is so attached to her.

Then, Timu returned to the table and sat across from me. She had apparently switched roles with someone named Nielsen.

Is that a staff member?

Now, the three of us were enjoying some tea before dinner. Tilea-san explained that it’s good for preparing the stomach before a meal.

Hmm, I didn’t know that.

Timu practices ancient martial arts, and I assumed Tilea-san and the others were from the East. Perhaps this pre-meal tea tradition is also from the East.

"By the way, Miless-chan, how is Timu doing at the academy?"

Tilea-san’s question nearly made me spit out my tea.

Timu, the bloodthirsty warrior, the destroyer, the silver-haired devil, the embodiment of rebellion...

Timu, who had swiftly crushed the Elizabeth faction at the academy, was known by many titles.

Should I tell the truth?

From my conversation with Tilea-san, I had come to realize something.

Tilea-san probably doesn’t know what Timu’s really like. She likely thinks Timu is studying hard and participating in club activities in a healthy, normal way.

She has no idea that Timu has been beating down every notorious troublemaker in sight.

Tilea-san was resting her chin on her hand, smiling, waiting for my response.

“Um, Camilla-sama is enjoying her school life to the fullest.”

"I see, I see. It must be because she has a wonderful friend like you, Miless-chan. Thank you."

Well, I didn’t lie, did I? Yeah, yeah.

"Timu, I’m glad you’ve become friends with Miless-chan."

"Yes, it’s all thanks to you, Sister."

"And why do I get dragged into this? I had nothing to do with it, right?"

"Not at all. Everything good that happens to me is because of you, Sister. And this isn’t just true for me—every living being should bow their heads to you."

"...Well, Timu is going through a phase, so I guess that’s just how it is."

"Yes, I am indeed going through a phase."

"...Right, okay, let’s talk about something else. How are you getting along with your classmates?"

"Rest assured. The influence over the academy is steadily spreading."

Tilea-san responded with a wry smile. Timu-chan, however, was smiling brightly, seemingly convinced that she was living up to her beloved sister’s expectations.

Timu-chan, that’s not the answer Tilea-san was looking for. I couldn’t shake the feeling that their conversation was just slightly out of sync.

It’s a mystery—these two are such a mystery. Do Timu-chan and Tilea-san really understand each other? What kind of upbringing creates such an extraordinary pair of sisters?

I’m curious.

Speaking of which, what are Timu-chan’s parents like? If the saying "like parent, like child" holds true, then her parents must be quite something as well.

"Um, Tilea-san?"

"Yes?"

"This might seem a bit sudden, but could you tell me about your parents?"

"Sure! My father is an excellent chef. He runs a restaurant in Belga, and my mother helps him with it. They’re both kind and reliable—truly parents to be proud of."

Tilea-san spoke with a sense of pride, puffing out her chest.

So, her father is a chef. Well, this place *is* a restaurant, so it’s not surprising that her parents are in the culinary business.

Still...

"Um, I hope this isn’t rude, but could you share some stories about your father’s exploits? He’s not just an ordinary chef, is he?"

"You’re right; he’s not just any chef."

I knew it! Tilea-san confirmed my suspicions. With Timu-chan possessing such martial prowess, there’s no way they’re just ordinary people. They must come from a renowned warrior family.

"My father is a top-tier chef. He has countless customers who travel from far and wide just to eat at his restaurant. He’s even been certified as an S-rank chef!"

But... that’s not what I meant...

I tried to steer the conversation toward more specific details, but everything she told me suggested they had an ordinary family life.

In fact, their family life seemed like an ideal, harmonious one. Even Timu-chan agreed, nodding along, and it seemed they really did have kind and loving parents. I wanted to meet them, but they were both in Belga, so that wasn’t possible.

Meeting Timu-chan’s parents might have shed some light on the mystery surrounding her and Tilea-san.

"Well, let’s wrap up the conversation here. It’s time to eat before the food gets cold."

Tilea-san suggested.

I had gotten so caught up in the conversation that I had almost forgotten. I’d been looking forward to Tilea-san’s cooking ever since I had a taste of the bento side dishes that Timu-chan shared with me.

I looked at the table filled with food. The dishes, from appetizers to the main course, had already been served.

Every dish was covered with a silver lid, hiding the contents. The lids gleamed so brightly that I could see my reflection in them, indicating they were of the highest quality. Even compared to the finest restaurants patronized by nobility, this setup was not lacking in any way.

Incredible.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that not just the lids, but even the plates, chairs, forks, and knives were all of the finest quality. 

Tilea-san had described the restaurant as a humble establishment, but there was no way that was true.

The furnishings were first-rate, and the food was undoubtedly of the same caliber. Having tasted Tilea-san’s cooking before, I was confident in that.

My anticipation grew as I swallowed nervously.

Alright, here goes!

I removed the silver lid.

A cloud of white steam rose up, enveloping the surroundings.

"Wow! It smells amazing!"

The rich aroma of the ingredients created a symphony that tickled my nose and made me exclaim out loud.

"Hehe, let me explain today’s dinner: the 'Spring Friendship Sparkle Course.' For the appetizer, we have Red Shiitake Melbony, Caesar Salad, and a mix of Mirugai and Gulu. The main course is Berum-style Pork Royalty with Pepper and a stew of monstrous bird and white liver. For dessert, there’s matcha ice cream and pineapple fruit pie."

Tilea-san explained the menu.

The appetizer, Red Shiitake Melbony...

It looked like a simple stew with cream-colored broth, carrots, potatoes, and quartered red shiitake mushrooms. But the aroma was irresistible, making me want to dive right in without a second thought.

The main dish, Berum-style Pork Royalty...

The sheer presence of the meat was overwhelming. It must have been a shoulder cut from the royal breed of pigs, with a generous amount of meat. Even from a distance, I could see the juices dripping from it.

Additionally, there were several types of soft bread, accompanied by butter, margarine, and jam.

Each dish stirred a powerful hunger within me, as if they were directly appealing to my stomach.

It’s strange.

I hadn’t been feeling very hungry due to the tension and anxiety, but now... I could barely contain my appetite.

The food in front of me must be extraordinary. With slightly trembling hands, I picked up my knife and fork to begin eating.

Just one bite...

"It’s delicious! It’s absolutely delicious!"

I couldn’t help but express my delight at how good it tasted. 

Ah, a smile spread across my face.

The few high-end restaurants I remembered couldn’t compare to this.

Ah, the pleasant texture of the Mirugai and Gulu danced in my mouth.

"I’m so glad you like it. Eat as much as you want."

"Yes, Sister has given you permission. Enjoy to your heart’s content."

"Yes!"

Tilea-san and Timu-chan both smiled warmly at me as they spoke.

Yes, I’m so glad I came here. I’ve never tasted such delicious food before.

It’s incredible, absolutely incredible.

I took a bite of the main course, the meat.

"It’s so good..."

The rich meat juices filled my mouth. The pepper added just the right kick to enhance the flavor of the meat. Not only was the quality of the meat outstanding, but even the pepper was exceptional. It made me realize that the spices I’d been using before were nothing compared to this.

Ah, this is like a dream.

Everything is delicious. Every dish is exquisite. I couldn’t stop my fork from moving.

And then...

I might have overdone it. It had been a long time since I’d eaten so much without worrying about gaining weight.

But despite my best efforts, there was still a mountain of food left on the plates in front of me.

Hmm, no matter how delicious it is, I can’t eat this much.

"I won’t be executed for leaving food, right?"

"Of course you will be. This is food that Sister herself prepared. Leaving any would be unforgivable. Even if your stomach bursts, even if you die, you mustn’t leave a single bite."

I had only asked lightly, but Timu-chan’s harsh response left me stunned.

Haha, I wonder if I’ll be okay?

Will I really make it out of here alive?

I had been so excited by the rare feast before me, but now the pain in my stomach was starting to intensify again.